Hand of US Neocons Seen Behind Irish 'No'

Some suggest meddling in referendum that has Europe in disarray
By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff
Posted Jun 25, 2008 4:57 PM CDT
Hand of US Neocons Seen Behind Irish 'No'
Eurosceptic members of the European Parliament display posters calling on the EU to respect the outcome of Ireland's recent referendum vote, during a recent debate in Strasbourg, France.   (AP Photo)

Pro-Europeans are claiming that American neoconservatives helped bankroll an effort to convince Irish voters to reject a key treaty, Der Spiegel reports. "Europe has powerful enemies on the other side of the Atlantic, gifted with considerable financial means," a French minister said after Ireland's thumbs-down roiled the continent. "The role of the American neo-cons was very important in the victory of the 'no'."

The leading anti-treaty organization, which spent more than $2 million on publicity against ratification, claims it does not have US backers. The founder of Libertas is Declan Ganley, an Irish millionaire and CEO of Rivada Networks, a firm that contracts for the US military. The parties that campaigned for the treaty are urging Libertas to disclose its donor list. (More neocon stories.)

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